CONTACT:
Deb McCool, 021 660 459, or Karen Franklin, 021 779 838, Harcourts.
AUCTION:
April 12 (unless sold prior).
*Plus OSP
**According to council records
When Annette McCowan was house-hunting 14 years ago, she was clear on one point: the house must be well constructed.
"I didn't want to be doing maintenance. I was looking for somewhere to relax and enjoy." When she came upon 78 Marellen Dr, at the end of a quiet, private right-of-way, she could see that it was going to meet her criteria.
"It was designed and built by an engineer using concrete block, brick and cedar," she says. "It's very strong and sturdy, with concrete between the floors as well."
North-facing, the house is beautifully positioned for catching the sun, and the views are extensive and ever-changing of Orewa Beach and Red Beach, which is a few minutes' walk away.
The heart of the three-level house is reached via a ramp to the front door, inside which you'll find an extensive open-plan kitchen, dining, living space and conservatory.
It was completely renovated a couple of years ago but hardly used so the quality appliances are still as-new.
Annette chose paint colours that are soft and gentle so as not to distract from the scene outside and the white ceilings are high, enhancing the sense of spaciousness. A focal point, the open fireplace, has a smart brick surround.
In winter she loves sitting in the sunny conservatory, admiring her garden and the view.
The next level of the house is up a few steps and it contains three double bedrooms - all with sliding doors opening into the garden or on to balconies.
There are three bathrooms, one of which is the en suite to the master bedroom. There's also a separate laundry here with loads of storage space.
Downstairs is a double garage and workshop plus another living area that could be used as an office, media room or rumpus.
There's another bathroom - the fourth, downstairs, too, so the living area could become a fourth bedroom for extended family or guests.
"The engineer who built the house was ahead of his time and did some clever things," says Annette.
78 Marellen Drive, Red Beach. Photo / Supplied
"My favourite is the dumb waiter, which I use for getting my groceries from the garage up to the kitchen."
Outside the house, a number of individual 'outdoor rooms' allow inhabitants to keep up with the sun.
There's a covered concrete patio, a few steps up beyond the conservatory, for entertaining - and a barbecue area with outdoor lighting.
Various other little courtyard zones are pleasant at different times of the day.
There's only a smallish patch of lawn and the garden is easy-care.
